MOTHER’S DAY
About the Playwright/ Play Background:
John Boynton Priestley (3 September 1894 – 14 August 1984) was an English novelist,
playwright, screenwriter, broadcaster and social commentator.
His Yorkshire background is reflected in much of his fiction, notably in ‘The Good
Companions’ (1929), which first brought him to wide public notice. Many of his plays are
structured around a time slip (plot device in which a person or group of people seem to
travel through time by unknown means) and he went on to develop a new theory of time,
with different dimensions that link past, present, and future.
‘Mother’s Day’ (1950) is Priestley’s satirical depiction about the real status of women in the
family.
Characters in the Play:
• Mrs. Annie Pearson (Mother to Doris and Cyril; pleasant but meek and submissive)
• Mr. George Pearson ( husband of Mrs. Pearson)
• Doris Pearson (20-year-old daughter)
• Cyril Pearson (demanding son)
• Mrs Fitzgerald (Mrs. Pearson’s neighbour; strong willed and bold)
Themes-
• Status of women in the family and in a patriarchal society.
• Importance of prioritizing oneself, not allowing oneself to be exploited.
• Parenting techniques/ styles (their pros and cons)
QUESTION-ANSWERS
Q.1. What were the two slips that could have let out the real identity of Mrs. Fitzgerald?
Ans: Mrs. Fitzgerald, in her nervousness, addresses Mr. Pearson, as George. Mr.
Pearson is surprised to be called thus, but Mrs. Pearson covers up for Mrs. Fitzgerald.
Later, when Mrs. Fitzgerald attempts to slap
George, following an argument, the real Mrs. Pearson exclaims and calls out to her, ‘Mrs.
Fitzgerald’, which confuses George.
Q2. What was Mrs Fitzgerald’s opinion of Mrs Pearson’s attitude?
Answer: Mrs Fitzgerald said that Mrs Pearson’s family was undoubtedly spoiled. She
felt that it was Mrs Pearson’s attitude that did them no good, tending to their needs,
taking their orders, and staying at home every night while they went out enjoying
themselves.
Long Answer Type Questions:
Q-1: The play ‘Mother’s Day’ is a humorous and satirical depiction of the status of
the woman in a family. Bring out briefly the elements of humor and satire.
The play ‘Mother’s Day’ treats a serious theme in a light-hearted manner. The humor in the
play springs from an unusual situation where the personalities of two ladies change bodies.
Their subsequent behavior, which is in total contrast to their previous one, is a very
powerful source of laughter. The ignorance of the characters about the personality they are
facing also creates humor. Suggestive dialogues also provide a lot of fun. For example,
consider the following:
• “Mrs. Pearson, if you had to live my life it wouldn’t be so bad. You’d have more
fun as me than you’ve had as you.”
• “It’s that silly old bag from next door—Mrs. Fitzgerald.”
• “Ticking her off now, are you, Annie?”
• “They call you Pompy-Ompy Pearson because they think you’re so slow and
pompous.”
The actions, gestures and reactions of the characters also provide humor. The housewife
being given orders, treated like dirt and forced to stay home every night while other members
go out to amuse themselves is sharply contrasted with the position at the end of the play
where she is the mistress of the house. Then play also satirizes the eight-hour work culture
and threats to go on strike.
Q-2: "The unexpected turn of events compels thoughtless and selfish individuals to
confront the reality of the lady of the house's struggles and sacrifices.” How far do
you agree with the statement? Give reasons for your answer.
I fully agree with the aforesaid statement. Drastic situations need drastic remedies. The
thoughtless, selfish and spoilt members of the Pearson family do not understand the
language of love and affection. Mrs. Pearson with Mrs. Fitzgerald’s bold and dominating
personality and her toughness makes them realize their own state. Doris is the first to learn
her lesson in civility and politeness. The criticism of her boyfriend seems quite unexpected to
her—perhaps more than the non-compliance of her orders of ironing the yellow silk dress.
Doris has tearful eyes. Cyril is also told to help himself.
The mother’s declaration that she too will henceforth work forty hours a week, have the
weekends off and go somewhere to enjoy herself came as a shock. The balloon of her
husband’s ego is punctured by disclosing to him how people at the club make fun of him. In
the end all the three members come around and show their willingness to obey the mother’s
command.
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